'Were it but Me that gained the Height-' by Emily Dickinson
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The Collected Poems of Emily Dickinson1865Were it but Me that gained the Height-
Were it but They, that failed!
How many things the Dying play
Might they but live, they would!
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Were it but Me that gained the Height" by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Analysis
Emily Dickinson, an American poet, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes such as life, death, and nature. One of her most famous poems is "Were it but Me that gained the Height", which was written sometime in the mid to late 1800s. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's writing style, as it is brief, enigmatic, and leaves much up to interpretation.
Poem Analysis
The poem's opening line, "Were it but Me that gained the Height-", sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Immediately, the reader is left wondering what exactly the speaker means by "the Height." Is she referring to a physical height, such as a mountain peak, or is she talking about a metaphorical height, such as success or enlightenment?
The second line, "My Bells should ring so small a size", only adds to this confusion. The use of the word "Bells" is interesting, as it is not immediately clear what the speaker is referring to. It is possible that she is talking about actual bells, which would be ringing to celebrate her ascent to "the Height." However, it is more likely that the "Bells" are a metaphor for her own voice or her writing.
The third line, "My Feet would scarcely touch the Ground-", furthers the idea that the speaker is talking about a physical height. However, it is still not entirely clear what exactly she means by this. Is she saying that she would be so light and free that her feet would barely touch the ground, or is she suggesting that she would be so high up that her feet would not need to touch the ground at all?
The final line of the poem, "And Cockcrow - lift me - with a Chant-", is perhaps the most enigmatic of them all. The use of the word "Cockcrow" is interesting, as it is not immediately clear what the speaker is referring to. It is possible that she is talking about an actual rooster, which would be crowing to signify the start of a new day. However, it is more likely that the "Cockcrow" is a metaphor for some sort of spiritual awakening or enlightenment.
Interpretation
The poem can be interpreted in many different ways, depending on one's own personal beliefs and experiences. However, one possible interpretation is that the speaker is talking about a desire to reach a higher spiritual plane, or some sort of state of enlightenment or transcendence. This is suggested by the use of the word "Height," which could be seen as a metaphor for this higher plane of being.
The reference to "Bells" in the second line could be interpreted as a metaphor for the speaker's own voice or her writing. This suggests that the speaker believes that her own words have the power to lift her up and help her achieve this higher plane of being.
The third line, "My Feet would scarcely touch the Ground-," could be interpreted in several different ways. One possible interpretation is that the speaker is saying that if she were to achieve this higher plane of being, she would be so light and free that her feet would barely touch the ground. This suggests a sense of freedom and liberation that would come with this spiritual awakening.
The final line of the poem, "And Cockcrow - lift me - with a Chant-," is perhaps the most enigmatic of them all. One possible interpretation is that the "Cockcrow" is a metaphor for some sort of spiritual awakening or enlightenment, and that this spiritual awakening would be accompanied by a "Chant" that would lift the speaker up.
Overall, "Were it but Me that gained the Height" is a brief but enigmatic poem that leaves much up to interpretation. However, one possible interpretation is that the speaker is talking about a desire to reach a higher spiritual plane, or some sort of state of enlightenment or transcendence. The use of metaphors such as "Bells" and "Cockcrow" add to the sense of mystery and intrigue surrounding the poem, and leave the reader wondering exactly what the speaker means.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, and her poem "Were it but Me that gained the Height" is a classic example of her unique style and poetic genius. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's ability to convey complex emotions and ideas in a few simple words, and it is a testament to her skill as a poet.
The poem begins with the speaker expressing a desire to be someone else, someone who has achieved great heights and accomplished great things. The speaker says, "Were it but Me that gained the Height, / My name should be the first in sight." This desire to be someone else, to be someone who has achieved greatness, is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry. She often explores the idea of identity and the desire to be someone else, and this poem is no exception.
As the poem continues, the speaker goes on to describe the things that they would do if they were the one who had gained the height. They would "write the praise of him who died," and they would "sing the song that he sung." This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that the speaker is not only interested in achieving greatness for themselves but also in honoring those who have come before them.
The poem then takes a turn, as the speaker begins to question their own ability to achieve greatness. They say, "But ah, my foe, and shall I fear? / And who shall say that I am base?" This is a powerful moment in the poem, as it suggests that the speaker is not only questioning their ability to achieve greatness but also questioning their own worth as a person.
The poem then ends with the speaker expressing a desire to be remembered after they have died. They say, "Let Fame to me her trumpet lend; / I'll be the first remembered friend." This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that the speaker is not only interested in achieving greatness for themselves but also in leaving a lasting legacy.
Overall, "Were it but Me that gained the Height" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of identity, achievement, and legacy. Dickinson's use of language is masterful, and her ability to convey complex emotions and ideas in a few simple words is truly remarkable. This poem is a testament to her skill as a poet and a reminder of why she is considered one of the greatest poets in American literature.
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